In the ever-dynamic world of Bollywood, Alia Bhatt remains a name synonymous with talent, grace, and a knack for choosing diverse roles that often leave a lasting impact on audiences. However, her latest cinematic endeavor, ‘Jigra,’ although laden with promise and controversy alike, has seemingly not fared well in its box-office trajectory upon its release.
Bollywood star and National Award-winner Alia Bhatt has been in the headlines recently, not only for her portrayal in ‘Jigra’ but also for the substantial remuneration she commanded for her performance. Bringing a nuanced blend of charisma and experience from projects like ‘Highway,’ ‘Darlings,’ and ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi,’ Alia’s decision to star in ‘Jigra’ reportedly cost the producers Rs 10-15 crore. In a curious twist to the narrative, this fee starkly contrasts with the film’s opening-day collections, which reached a modest Rs 4.55 crore in India—a mere third of Alia’s fee.
While Bhatt’s prowess as an actor is undisputed, the mixed critical and public reaction to ‘Jigra’ sheds light on the unpredictable nature of box office outcomes. It underscores the fact that even an actor of her caliber cannot always guarantee a film’s success in a highly competitive industry.
The film, directed by the acclaimed Vasan Bala, has been immersed in controversies since its inception. One notable incident involved actor-filmmaker Divya Khossla, who publicly condemned the film’s team for allegedly inflating box office figures despite low attendance in theatres. This accusation sparked a round of cryptic social media exchanges that included Karan Johar, the film’s producer, who retaliated with equally cryptic messages targeting Khossla.
Another layer of controversy was added when Bijou Thaangjam, an actor from Manipur, spoke out against the film’s producers, accusing them of discrimination. Thaangjam expressed disappointment over having been stalled for months on end with promises of a role that eventually never materialized.
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In a rather lighter yet significant episode, director Vasan Bala humorously admitted to having drafted a premature email regarding the creative process of ‘Jigra,’ which was forwarded to Alia Bhatt by Johar without his knowledge. Bala jokingly critiqued the email’s grammatical standards, which led to a widespread discourse online. This minor faux pas was perceived by the masses as a serious slight, resulting in media backlash aimed at Johar.
Seeking to clarify the situation, Karan Johar expressed his amused yet exasperated stance. “Vasan Bala, whom I hold in high regard as a talented collaborator, conducted an interview that was taken out of context. His innocuous comment about the email led to unwarranted assumptions about my actions,” Johar explained, urging audiences and media alike to view and interpret such statements in the intended spirit before jumping to conclusions.
Amidst these controversies and debates over figures, the underlying narrative of ‘Jigra’ offers an in-depth exploration of an uncharacteristic storyline amidst mainstream Bollywood cinema. While its financial success may not have rivaled expectations, it brings into focus the larger role of controversy and speculation in shaping public perception and box office performance.
As the dust begins to settle, it’s important to acknowledge the ongoing journey of Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, who continue to push the creative boundaries with their choices. Despite the tumultuous reception of ‘Jigra,’ Bhatt stands as a figure who embodies resilience and an unwavering commitment to her craft—a reminder of the unpredictable yet exciting world of cinematic storytelling.
The film, ‘Jigra,’ hit theaters on October 11, amidst these heated discussions, standing as a testament to the sometimes unpredictable nature of art and commerce converging in cinema. As industry insiders and film enthusiasts alike await Bhatt’s next moves, this chapter in her storied career adds a thought-provoking layer to her cinematic legacy.
